The Aurora is an incredible light show caused by collisions between electrically charged particles released from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere and collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. The lights are seen around the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres.
This 360° panorama is shot on Mosfellsheiði, just outside of the Reykjavík capital area. The mountains in the foreground are Esja, Móskarðshnjúkar and Skálafell.
The mountain Esja, often called Esjan, is situated in the south-west of Iceland, about 10 km to the north of Iceland’s capital city Reykjavík. Esja is not a single mountain, but a volcanic mountain range, made from basalt and tuff.
Móskarðshnjúkar is a mountain and popular hiking route, situated in the south-west corner of Iceland next to Mt. Esja. The mountain can be seen from Reykjavík City and is celebrated both as a hiking trail and venue for backcountry skiing. Móskarðshnjúkar sits right next to Mt. Esja, but is more challenging to get to and therefore much less crowded. Making your way here is very awarding, where avid treckers are greeted with sweeping rhyolite landscapes and challenging trails for hiking or mountain biking.
Skálafell is a volcanic mountain and ski resort in the municipality of Kjósarhreppur in southwest Iceland, roughly thirty minutes drive from the capital, Reykjavik. Skálafell is thought to be approximately 1.8 million years old, a remnant of the now dormant Stardalur volcano. The mountain joins to the eastern side of Mount. Esja, the tabletop mountain that overlooks Reykjavik. Skálafell is one of two ski slopes in the Reykjavik area, the other found in the mountain ranges of Bláfjöll. Skálafell boasts numerous slopes (some extending to 7 km (4.3 mi)), accessible to beginners and pros alike, as well a ski lodge, 4 chairlifts, off-piste trails and snow conditioning.